So the police came to my house today….?
Question by Sabrina: So the police came to my house today….?
Apparently someone complained that our dog (a Toy Poodle) was barking too much between the hours of 5pm and 9pm. We have a fenced back yard and she has a doggie door so she goes outside whenever she pleases. She does LOVE to go outside and bark at things. I admit that she is yappy. Now–what should I do about it? I really don’t want to start making her stay inside–I fear that she will pee or poop in the house. The police officer suggested a “shock collar”. I had never heard of this. The police officer says that the collar will deliver a shock to the dog when she barks so that she learns not to bark. Supposedly, the shock can be adjusted from a mild tingle to quite a jolt. THis just sits wrong with me. Anyone have feelings about this? Can anyone suggest an alternative? Help! I love my dog, but I don’t want to see the cops at my door again.
Best answer:
Answer by gargoyle
shock callers do work and arent in-humane. The dog should learn quickly whats causing the little jolt
Add your own answer in the comments!
cfb193
8 Jan, 2012
Shock collar will work.
t f
8 Jan, 2012
take your dog to a trainer…
trust me..it makes a big difference
xen1408
8 Jan, 2012
You can teach him.
TreeAlbero
8 Jan, 2012
Shock collars are cruel and often ineffective. Your municipality must have strict noise laws for noise that “early.” I could see someone coming out if they thought you were abusing your dog.
I think unless you get better neighbors, you may have to limit her outdoor time. You can try a trainer, but a good one is going to train you more than your dog.
carpediemmaster
8 Jan, 2012
Well if it continues, then I guess they can fine you.
To be honest I hate YAP dogs…and the owners that attempt to justify their incessant and annoying barking.
I have one that occasionally goes on a binge…
I have never reported it, but each time I get closer…
Nori H
8 Jan, 2012
yell at ur dog whenever it starts barking…it wont hurt its feelings or anything..ur the owner…ur dog will learn
Me Only
8 Jan, 2012
check out with a vet if the collar is safe for your dog.
How about actually walking your dog 3 times a day? its why you have a dog in the first place…. not to just leave it to take itself for a walk in the yard. Then it wouldnt poop etc, you would be fitter and the neighbours wont moan so much.
Proud CKCS Owner!
9 Jan, 2012
No worries about your dog always staying inside etc. Just go to a local Pet Store and buy a “Bark Collar.” There are instructions and everything on the little thing that it’s in. I think some give a LITTLE shock and some give a little squirt of lemon juice but they aren’t harmful to your dogs at ALL. Many of pet owners use them for this cause.
mariethebeautiful
9 Jan, 2012
that’s crazy talk…dogs are supposed to bark. There is a certain amount of courtesy we should give our neighbors so I would keep the dog in the house after 8 or 9, but it’s not like it’s a lion or something….my neighbors would just have to deal with it.
summerstar2117
9 Jan, 2012
i would do a shock collar as well. it worked for my dog.
Lauren
9 Jan, 2012
put a mussel on her. same problem here. my LAZY neighbor who just stays home all day complains too, and my dog doent even bark that much like he says
kuz
9 Jan, 2012
Along with strict training against barking it’s fine
some dogs really need one to break them.
♥≈ŚUИňỳ DΆỲ≈♥
9 Jan, 2012
well when she goes outside you can put those mussel on her mouth to make her stop,unless thats cruel.
or you can bring her in when she is too, yappy. as you call it.
Jimbojangels.
9 Jan, 2012
I think a shock collar is the lazy way to train Your dog, but start with it on a setting You have tryied on Your self, You need to know how bad Your hurting Your dog.
Gabby K
9 Jan, 2012
i luv dogs they are awesome i have one i wouldnt use the shok thing if he she barks to much and it shoks him her eventually she could get a heart attak and die disiplin her when she barks give her disiplin then shell eventually learn r just ttake her to the park
Crystal B
9 Jan, 2012
Something is going to have to give here. You’re going to have to either train your dog to not bark or you’re going to have to bring her inside. The hours of 5p.m. and 9p.m. aren’t that bad. Most likely, you can train her to not pee or poop in the house for those four hours. OR you’re going to have to find a way to keep her under control while she is outside. Shock collars are not a nice way of doing things, but you are going to have to use some sort of punishment or another if you need her to stay outside. Be sure to catch her in the act of actually barking. Try using a rolled up newspaper–that way it’s not your hand she’ll be afraid of.
csigeoffrey
9 Jan, 2012
Dogs generally respond only to positive reinforcement. The nuisance bark is nearly impossible to control. I’d agree that a shock collar is an option. There are also clickers that you can purchase that make a sound that the dog dislikes, and you can use it to deter such behavior. Just remember to reward the positives as you go along.
If all else fails, you could shoot your neighbor!
Chachi
9 Jan, 2012
thats tough.. All I say is to put a camera up. Same thing happened to my aunt and uncle and they are almost 100 percent sure their neighbors ended up poisoning their dog becuase they were sick of hearing it bark. sad I know.. but if you get it on tape you’ll have the upper hand atleast! I really dont know what else to say since shock collors are off the list.. its kinda hard to tell a dog not to bark. Kinda like telling a bear not to shit in the woods.
Shizzam
9 Jan, 2012
I dont like the shock collar idea or anything like that. personally i would tell the neigbor or whoever complained to shove it up their ass.
Em
9 Jan, 2012
EITHER: 1. keep her in the house and give her a spot on some newspapers (just in case); when she pees or poops, say “ON THE PAPER!” and point to them, it worked for me
OR: 2. when she barks just let her know it’s not okay, like tap her snout, or yell, or put her in her crate (if she has one) let her know she’s being punished.
zaphodsclone
9 Jan, 2012
not a fan of the shock collar, there are other collars that use citronella which emit an offensive odor for the dog when he barks. Dogs apparently hate the smell and stop barking.
Some behavioral training might help (although poodles have a yippy streak a mile wide).
5-9 pm barking shouldn’t tick anyone off; I get concerned if I am not hearing some dogs barking during these hours.
Maybe find out which neighbors are ticked and send them some presents by way of appology; maybe they will lighten up.
Bryson H
9 Jan, 2012
Well this might be hard but maybe you should get a shock collar. Just think about it! If the dog keeps barking and someone complaints and calls the POLICE, then the dog will be confiscated. Maybe you should just keep a muzzle on the dog or a shock collar. OR maybe take the dog to the shelter and get a new dog. Im just trying to help.
Geodal
9 Jan, 2012
Are you home from 5-9? If other people are complaining about the noise, unless you are blasting the stereo you should be able to hear it as well. If she starts barking and doesn’t stop after a few minutes call her back in the house. If she is young she may outgrow the barking, if not you will have to keep her in check.
Alexa G
9 Jan, 2012
I have a solution to your problem. Yes a shock collar does seem a bit extreme! But there is also another collar you could get. It is a spray collar and it lightly sprays your dog with water when it barks. It is very harmless and it works! The dog gets irritated when the water sprays it so it stops barking. It is totally harmless and I think they are around 40 dollars. My friend used one and said they are great. You should check them out at your local pet store! GOOD LUCK!!!
cozzahh
9 Jan, 2012
I wouldn’t use a shock collar.. its mean on the poor dog…i don’t really no what you can do…perhaps your dog will have to stay inside you don’t want it being took off you…..you could keep it inside but take it for walks regularly
fields8005
9 Jan, 2012
I use the shock collar on my dogs. It scares them instead of hurting them. I tried it on myself. It works.
lauren3895
9 Jan, 2012
actually, most shock collars dont even really send electric shocks. they just have little electronic thing on the neck that sticks out slightly into the dogs neck. This makes the dog uncomfortable, much like we feel we hold water in the back of our throat and dont swallow. Anyway, they dont particularly like it, but it doesnt hurt them, and it seems to have worked in the past with my dogs. I would give it a try.
the old dog
9 Jan, 2012
There’s a collar that sprays a citrus juice in the nostrils when barking. Harmless and effective because dogs can’t stand the smell. I’ve heard nothing but positive reports on it. Check your local pet store for one. I think it costs a little more than an electric collar.
Kerrie B
9 Jan, 2012
i never heard of a shock collar to stop the barking, only to keep them in the yard. maybe try to limit the amount of time that she is outside for those hours. let her out for about fifteen minutes, then bring her back in, and do this every hour. i think it is ridiculous to complain about something between those hours, it’s not like it was midnight. the person that complained should also have had the common cortesy to come to you about it first. good luck.
~mobabe~
9 Jan, 2012
The shock collar is a means of immediate discipline to unwanted behavior. Your other option would be for you to be outside with the dog and give corrective measures when he barks by using a choke collar.(as seen on the dog whisperer) Shock collars are safe and effective if not abused. I would contact my veterinarian for other alternatives and suggestions.
Blonde dumass =P
9 Jan, 2012
My gosh!
x
I would neva put a shock collar on my dog that is just poor cruelty..
Soo I doo feel for you..
ermm..
The way we used to get our dog to stop barking was to keep it outside for 5 minutes and after a few days our dog stopped completely!
I know that your dog doesnt like indoors and loves outside soo if he barks outside then take him indoors or a little while even if he does wish to go outside ..
Im sure thats alot better tthan using a shock collar!!
hope this helps and good luck!!
Shann
x
tarachapman
9 Jan, 2012
I got one for my pug, it didn’t deliver shocks, but a really high pitch sound that only dogs could hear. The sound could be adjusted by you….(too funny, my pug is barking right now LOL!) It was from Petco and was about $ 50. It really worked (not on the dog barking right now!)
I would go to Petsmart or Petco and see the different options they have.
Angie-Pangie
9 Jan, 2012
Perhaps try it on your self and find a setting low enough to startle but not hurt.
Then put it on the dog and prey that it works.At least if the cop comes back he will see that you are trying.
ness
9 Jan, 2012
I think the collar would be a good idea. It sounds more barbaric than it is and after a very short time your dog would learn that when he barks he gets a little ‘tingle’ and you wouldnt need to use the collar anymore then. Dont worry about it hurting him, it wont, and he should learn not to bark all the time anyway.
Holly
9 Jan, 2012
It all seems a little funny to me. I mean really, dogs bark, that’s what they do. Get over it. I guess though if you don’t want the cops there again then use the collar. The shock on it can be really light. Some of them even actually have a warning beep thing first. It does seem a little mean but I guess it’s like a spanking. They do work well though.
Vote freedom first
9 Jan, 2012
The officer’s advice isn’t all bad. Talk to a dog trainer.
Unfortunately as a dog owner you will have to address complaints of noise from neighbors. It’s no different than loud music or machinery. If noise persists and the city has a noise ordinance, that’s the way it goes.
Keep the dog in at night. You can let her out to do her business when she needs to. She can learn to let you know she has to go, if you can learn to pay attention to the signals.
sassygirl898
9 Jan, 2012
i would train him or her not to bark so were she or him can get that collar off!!!
emptymind135
9 Jan, 2012
that will be cruel to your dog to get a “shock collar”.
i dont agree w/ the officer at all !
i think maybe you should try training your dog, or …
well i dont know if this will work or not, but maybe a muzzle might keep him from barking – but at least it’s better than the “shock collar”
(i think he had no right to even suggest that !)
just passing by
9 Jan, 2012
i would not suggest a shock collar. I have beagles they like to bark to. if they bark i go and call them and say No in a Stern voice and the bring them inside. I close the door for about 10 to 15 min. over time they learned not to bark. now i just call them and Say no and they be quite. It is all about training them and showing how is boss. If you show your dog that it has to listen to you, it will. you just may have to be mean once in awhile.
jleiby101
9 Jan, 2012
Shock collars do work quite well. I recommend you use one, on mild jolt (not too much). Your dog should stop barking soon. Hope it works.
Megan L
9 Jan, 2012
my dogg had an invisable fence and still ran away. he always ran away and never learned his lesson. he shocked himself so it must have not been that painful. I’m not exactly sure a shick collar will work some dogs are srubborn. maybe practicing indoors with her some of her natural surrounds so that they become much more everyday things to her. you can talk to a trainer maybe they have learned something with there years of exerience.
good luck… i wish the best
Megan
animal_artwork
9 Jan, 2012
A shock collar is a workable solution. From my point of view it is the second thing I try- the first being Training the dog.
My dogs are unceremoniously brought in the house and tossed into crates if I hear more than two barks. I have a VERY low tolerance for barking dogs due to a horrid situation when I got my foundation b*tch.
My foundation b*tch was a terrible barker… obsessive really.. and I tried every type of training from yelling, to spraying water to a citronella collar and then an e-collar. Even the e-collar didn’t work (she was stubborn and I didn’t want to put multiple collars on her- NOW I would). Eventually, after a warning, then a $ 500 fine… and being told we would be fined again and she would be CONFISCATED.. we de-barked her. She actually was happier after the de-bark because noone was upset with her and she could bark as much as she wanted.
I don’t want to have to de-bark again.. so I’m really strict about barking. However.. if I had it to do over again… I’d have moved to the e-collar faster… and if that didn’t work.. I’d debark her sooner.
Jess
9 Jan, 2012
a shock collar wont hurt a dog, it will teach it that every time it barks it gets a jolt, it will learn
our dogs kept running away so we electrified our fence, they got zapped and never went near it again, it will work and its not at all inhumane, inhumane is when it gets out of control with barking and gets put down by a grumpy neighbor…..
Spam
9 Jan, 2012
I had the same problem, it was either a shock collar or get his voice box removed.
I went with the collar, the dog only needs to bark once and figures it out, you also get a fake collar that you can put on, the dog does not know the difference.
Try it when you are home to see if it works.
Not sure where you are but it seems a little early to be complaining about the barking
ilovecats
9 Jan, 2012
i dont agree with the shock collar eitheer but you can get a collar that will spray a citronella spray when the dog barks i consider this much more humane than the shock collar and it does the same thing you can order the collars from http://www.drsfosterandsmith.com just click on dogs then go down to bark control they have a few different models of the citronella collar thet work for dogs 6 lbs and up
Shelby P
9 Jan, 2012
Your puppy would benefit from some routine exercise. Trust me I know. My dog used to do the same thing. I started walking him everymorning and night for 20 minutes. It help them releive mental frustration, which is what barking is!
raven_babygirl1
9 Jan, 2012
the shock collar work real good it
Máire Siobhán
9 Jan, 2012
Do you ever walk your dog?
Toys are high energy, and if it’s barking in the yard at things, it is discharging stored up hunting energy that is not getting discharged any other way, and maybe she’s also just bored. Dogs are pack animals that need to WALK together. Your dog will see you as a member of her pack, so you should be walking with her. It’s an essential for your dog’s mental health. Really, it is. If you take her for a walk on a leash once or twice a day, and give her a chance to burn off some of that energy at regular time(s) each day/evening that she can anticipate and look forward to, you will have done a lot. She may not want to stay out as long when she goes out to pee/poo in the yard, then. You will have to determine how much exercise she needs to accomplish any improvement in her psychological balance.
Then after you’ve given her exercise and relieved the boredom once or twice a day, you can work on getting her to stop barking in the yard, because now that it’s a habit, you will have to extinguish that, on top of exercising her on the walks. I would do it by staying in the yard with her for several nights, when she goes out, and have a spray bottle handy. When she barks, be close enough to spray her a good shot from the spray bottle (avoid eyes, nose & ears) but upper body is best. When you spray, say NO! She will begin to anticipate the spray when she hears NO! and then you will just need to say NO! to get her to stop. It will take time, but training your dog to be quiet in the yard is part of being a good neighbor.
I would not want to use the shock collar either. Check with your vet on that. I don’t think we have to hurt our animals to shape their behavior, and a Toy is pretty small to be playing with a shock collar’s jolt to get it right. See what your vet says about this, and other ideas in addition to spraying her. It will take consistent effort on your part, but Toys are very very smart and will learn. If you’re the pack leader, and she minds you in other areas, she will want to please you.
Good luck!
marci452
9 Jan, 2012
Shock collars rarely work on that small a dog. Trainers I know do not recommend them. Try filling a pop can about 1/2 full with pennies and taping the top shut. Go outside with her, and whenever she starts barking, drop the can. The noise will startle her and if done for a few days sometimes will stop the barking.
Sometimes a citronella collar will work. Sometimes professional training will work if you find a knowledgeable trainer.
If none of these work, consider de-barking. Especially if she really seems to enjoy barking, this can be the kindest ting to do. Find a Vet with lots of experience.